The Dog Zone 5517 North Towne Pl, NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 (319)-378-9364

About Our Staff

THE "ALPHA DOGS"

Dawn MichelWalton & Dick Walton, Owners

As owners/managers of the Dog Zone-Daycare for Dogs, Dick and Dawn bring a variety and wealth of experience to the doggy daycare business, as well as great enthusiasm for interacting with dogs of all breeds, types, and sizes. Dick and Dawn have both taken and passed the American Red Cross Pet First Aid class and are knowledgeable in many areas of "group" dog behaviors.

Dawn has been involved in basic obedience training for 20 years, training both her own and other people’s dogs. In addition, Dawn has been raising and training guide dog puppies since 1994 as a “puppy walker” for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in Smithtown, New York. As a “puppy walker” for the Guide Dog Foundation, Dawn is responsible for the entire first year of a future guide dog’s life, including all aspects of socialization and obedience training. Dawn is also the area coordinator for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Cedar Rapids area and is responsible for interviewing and approving prospective puppy walker families, as well as overseeing their progress during the year the puppies spend with their foster families. See www.guidedog.org for more information on the Guide Dog Foundation.

As well, Dawn was active in two different pet therapy programs while working for the State of Iowa for over eight years. She implemented the first pet therapy program at the Civil Commitment Unit for Sexual Offenders at the correctional facility in Oakdale, Iowa.

Dick also assists with the day-to-day operations of The Dog Zone, as well as the basic obedience classes. Dick has been involved in raising and training the guide dog puppies along with Dawn, has experience in basic obedience training, and combines this experience with a long-standing affection for all types of canine companions. Dick is also The Dog Zone's top fix-it man, and can be counted on to share a laugh or two with you.

Assistant Manager

Sara

Sara was first employed with The Dog Zone from October of 2005 until April of 2006, and rejoined The Dog Zone in April of 2007, promoting to the position of Assistant Manager in May of 2007. Sara is in charge if the owners are unavailable, and can assist you with all your doggie daycare needs!

Staci Tony

Korin

Our "Puppy Pals" are Staci, Tony, and Korin. You will often see these part-time staff members on the morning or afternoon shifts. They spend a great deal of their time working with the playgroups, and can assist you with scheduling as well.